White River State Park Celebrates MLK, Jr. Day with FREE Admissions on January 19th!

All Park Attractions* will open for FREE in exchange of non-perishable food donations to benefit Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana

Also FREE health screenings offered by Eskenazi Health

#MLKday @WhiteRiverStPrk

INDIANAPOLIS – For the 15th year in a row, visitors to White River State Park Attractions will receive FREE admission and FREE parking on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19th, with non-perishable and/or canned food donations (require at least one can/donation per person AND per Attraction).

#MLKday @WhiteRiverStPrk

In addition to enjoying the attractions themselves, MLK Jr. Day visitors can: watch a free IMAX® movie; view signed copies of the Emancipation Proclamation and 13th Amendment; catch Jingle Rails before it chugs out of town; get a free ticket to the Indianapolis Indians’ season opener if they complete a health screening; see cold-weather animals enjoying the winter chill; and view “A Ripple of Hope,” a film based on the speech given by Robert Kennedy in Indianapolis on the night Martin Luther King, Jr. died.

#MLKday @WhiteRiverStPrk

Over the years, the Park’s partnership with Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana on this one-day, annual event has resulted in more than eighty-five ( 85 ) tons of non-perishable, canned food donations.

#MLKday @WhiteRiverStPrk

“We are pleased to once again partner with White River State Park,” said Cindy Hubert, Gleaners’ President & CEO.

#MLKday @WhiteRiverStPrk

“The drive not only helps Hoosiers in need, but allows families to enjoy these wonderful facilities at no cost. We’re grateful for the Park’s generosity for the past 15 years as well as their patrons! Without food drives like these, many Hoosiers would go without food. We can’t thank you all enough.”

#MLKday @WhiteRiverStPrk

* Special activities will take place throughout the day at most of the major attractions that make up White River State Park: Eiteljorg Museum, IMAX® Theater, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo ( and White River Gardens ), and the NCAA® Hall of Champions. The Indianapolis Indians ( Baseball home in Victory Field at White River State Park ) will have activities at the State Museum.

#MLKday @WhiteRiverStPrk

“We’re honored to celebrate this long-standing partnership with Gleaners, as well as our partnership with Eskenazi Health on such an important holiday,” said Bob Whitt, Executive Director of White River State Park.

#MLKday @WhiteRiverStPrk

“Each year, our visitors rise to the occasion by filling the donation bins to benefit those less fortunate while enjoying plenty of entertainment and healthy activities throughout the day.”

#MLKday @WhiteRiverStPrk

“We are honored to celebrate this long-standing partnership with Gleaners, as well as our partnership with Eskenazi Health on such an important holiday,” said Bob Whitt, Executive Director of White River State Park.

#MLKday @WhiteRiverStPrk

“Each year, our visitors rise to the occasion in filling the donation bins to benefit those less fortunate while enjoying plenty of entertainment and healthy activities throughout the day.”

#MLKday @WhiteRiverStPrk

The following FREE activities at Park Attractions will take place on MLK Jr. Day:

#MLKday @WhiteRiverStPrk

Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens: Visitors can walk the grounds and see animals, especially the ones that love the cooler temperatures. Favorite activities will include petting sharks, gazing at dolphins, and looking eye-to-eye with orangutans.

NCAA® Hall of Champions: Get your workout in at the NCAA® Hall of Champions where current and former student athletes lead classes. Also watch the film “A Ripple of Hope,” which is based on the speech given by Robert Kennedy in Indianapolis on the night Martin Luther King, Jr. died. The film narrates the events through the eyes of those who were there, including Julia Carson, the late U.S. Congressperson from Indiana; Tom Cochrun, Indianapolis reporter; and Rev. Dr. Tom Brown, son of a prominent Indianapolis minister close to King.

#MLKday @WhiteRiverStPrk

Indiana State Museum: Films, activities, and performance art fill the museum as the life and times of the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are celebrated. Visitors can see first-hand two of the documents that laid the foundation for equality: the Emancipation Proclamation and 13th Amendment. The Farmer’s Market Café will be serving lunch.

#MLKday @WhiteRiverStPrk

Returning this year, Eskenazi Health and the Indianapolis Indians will again offer free health screenings but at a new location: at the Indiana State Museum. From 10 am to 2 pm, nurses will also be available to discuss the importance of primary and preventive care. Anyone who participates in the health screenings will receive a complimentary ticket to Opening Night in Victory Field at White River State Park on April 9th courtesy of the Indianapolis Indians. Plus, Rowdie, the Indians mascot, will stop by for autographs between 11 am and noon ( 12 pm ).

#MLKday @WhiteRiverStPrk

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art: Visitors can immerse themselves in Native American and Western cultures with the museum’s many exhibits. It’s your last chance to visit Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure, a one-of-a-kind locomotive wonderland where eight ( 8 ) model trains travel on 1,200 feet of track to wind past treasures of Indianapolis and the American West, including the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana State Fair, a working replica of Old Faithful, Golden Gate Bridge, the Grand Canyon, and more. And be sure to check out the lunch specials at the Eiteljorg Museum Cafe.

The Park is also offering complimentary parking on MLK, Jr. Day. Visitors may park in the Underground Garage located off West Washington Street in front of and between the Indiana State Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum in the Park, in the surface parking lots at the Indianapolis Zoo and Victory Field, and in White River State Park’s surface South Lot across from Victory Field (via Schumacher Way) next to the White River State Park Visitor’s Center. Parking is not guaranteed and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please plan your travel accordingly.

Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana was founded in a three-and-a-half-car garage in 1980 with the purpose of fighting hunger in our community. Today, Gleaners serves more than 160,900 different individuals who depend on food and other critical grocery products provided by the food bank to over 350 hunger relief agencies throughout 21 counties in central and southeastern Indiana. To date, the food bank has distributed over 300 million pounds of food and critical grocery products. Gleaners distributed nearly 21 million pounds of food which is the equivalent of 18 million meals. Gleaners also provides specialized programs for our most vulnerable populations, children, and senior citizens. Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network. In Gleaners’ 21-county service area, more than 287,000 people live in poverty — and 103,000 of them are children. Learn more at Gleaners.org.

#MLKday @WhiteRiverStPrk

About WRSP:

White River State Park is the epicenter of Indianapolis culture, offering unique experiences with a variety of educational and recreational world-class Attractions. The Park is home to several attractions, destinations and venues, which provide entertainment for a wide range of audiences, including the Indianapolis Zoo ( and White River Gardens), Indiana State Museum, IMAX® Theater, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, NCAA® Hall of Champions, Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field, The Farm Bureau InsuranceLawn at White River State Park ( Harrison College Concert Series ), Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial, Historic Central Canal, Historic Military Park, Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Art Sculptures in the Park, the White River, and much more. To learn more about the White River State Park and its many experiences and happenings, please check-in and visit WhiteRiverStatePark.org.

Indiana State Museum(Tweet @IndianaMuseum) – Standard admission tickets are half-price (half-price discount does not include admission to special exhibitions)

Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field(Tweet @IndyIndians) – When the Indians are home, you receive $ 2.00 off tickets by either: 1) showing your membership to another attraction or 2) showing that same day’s ticket stub from one of the other attractions

White River State Park (@WhiteRiverStPrk) is over 250-acres right in the center of Indianapolis culture and entertainment, offering unique experiences with a variety of educational and recreational world-class attractions. The Park is home to several attractions and venues, providing education and entertainment for a wide range of audiences.

Major attractions include the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, (State of Indiana’s largest) IMAX® Theater, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field, Indianapolis Zoo (and White River Gardens), The Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park Concert Venue, NCAA® Hall of Champions, National Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial, The Indianapolis Cultural Trail, and The Indy White River Urban Wilderness and Wellness Trails to name just a few.

If you want to “stay in the LOOP” on Park events, concerts, specials, and more, we suggest you sign-up for our periodic e-mail E-News updates. These are (monthly) updates that include discounts, hot concerts, surprises, upcoming events, and much more.

Indiana State Museum(Tweet @IndianaMuseum) – Standard admission tickets are half-price (half-price discount does not include admission to special exhibitions)

Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field(Tweet @IndyIndians) – When the Indians are home, you receive $ 2.00 off tickets by either: 1) showing your membership to another attraction or 2) showing that same day’s ticket stub from one of the other attractions

White River State Park (@WhiteRiverStPrk) is over 250-acres right in the center of Indianapolis culture and entertainment, offering unique experiences with a variety of educational and recreational world-class attractions. The Park is home to several attractions and venues, providing education and entertainment for a wide range of audiences.

Major attractions include the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, (State of Indiana’s largest) IMAX® Theater, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field, Indianapolis Zoo (and White River Gardens), The Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park Concert Venue, NCAA® Hall of Champions, National Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial, The Indianapolis Cultural Trail, and The Indy White River Urban Wilderness and Wellness Trails to name just a few.

If you want to “stay in the LOOP” on Park events, concerts, specials, and more, we suggest you sign-up for our periodic e-mail E-News updates. These are (monthly) updates that include discounts, hot concerts, surprises, upcoming events, and much more.

Academy Award® winner Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby, Dolphin Tale) narrates the IMAX® 3D documentary Island of Lemurs: Madagascar 3D, the incredible true story of nature’s greatest explorers — lemurs. The film reunites Freeman with Drew Fellman, who also wrote and produced the 2011 IMAX® 3D documentary Born to Be Wild 3D, and director David Douglas, who served as director of photography on that film.

Captured with IMAX® 3D cameras, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar 3D takes audiences on a spectacular journey to the remote and wondrous world of Madagascar. Lemurs arrived in Madagascar as castaways millions of years ago and evolved into hundreds of diverse species but are now highly endangered.

Indiana State Museum(Tweet @IndianaMuseum) – Standard admission tickets are half-price (half-price discount does not include admission to special exhibitions)

Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field(Tweet @IndyIndians) – When the Indians are home, you receive $ 2.00 off tickets by either: 1) showing your membership to another attraction or 2) showing that same day’s ticket stub from one of the other attractions

White River State Park (@WhiteRiverStPrk) is over 250-acres right in the center of Indianapolis culture and entertainment, offering unique experiences with a variety of educational and recreational world-class attractions. The Park is home to several attractions and venues, providing education and entertainment for a wide range of audiences.

Major attractions include the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, (State of Indiana’s largest) IMAX® Theater, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field, Indianapolis Zoo (and White River Gardens), The Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park Concert Venue, NCAA® Hall of Champions, National Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial, The Indianapolis Cultural Trail, and The Indy White River Urban Wilderness and Wellness Trails to name just a few.

If you want to “stay in the LOOP” on Park events, concerts, specials, and more, we suggest you sign-up for our periodic e-mail E-News updates. These are (monthly) updates that include discounts, hot concerts, surprises, upcoming events, and much more.

Indiana State Museum(Tweet @IndianaMuseum) – Standard admission tickets are half-price (half-price discount does not include admission to special exhibitions)

Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field(Tweet @IndyIndians) – When the Indians are home, you receive $ 2.00 off tickets by either: 1) showing your membership to another attraction or 2) showing that same day’s ticket stub from one of the other attractions

White River State Park (@WhiteRiverStPrk) is over 250-acres right in the center of Indianapolis culture and entertainment, offering unique experiences with a variety of educational and recreational world-class attractions. The Park is home to several attractions and venues, providing education and entertainment for a wide range of audiences.

Major attractions include the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, (State of Indiana’s largest) IMAX® Theater, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field, Indianapolis Zoo (and White River Gardens), The Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park Concert Venue, NCAA® Hall of Champions, National Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial, The Indianapolis Cultural Trail, and The Indy White River Urban Wilderness and Wellness Trails to name just a few.

If you want to “stay in the LOOP” on Park events, concerts, specials, and more, we suggest you sign-up for our periodic e-mail E-News updates. These are (monthly) updates that include discounts, hot concerts, surprises, upcoming events, and much more.

INDIANAPOLIS – Families who opt to enjoy this year’s spring break close to home will find White River State Park downtown offers a wide array of family-friendly experiences. There’s something for everyone, including movie-goers, sports fanatics, history and culture buffs and animal lovers.

#ParksMatter #EmbraceTheSpace #TeamWRSP

And because everyone likes saving money, White River State Park offers a discount option where visitors can do-it-all for one low price with the WRSP Park Pass.

#ParksMatter #EmbraceTheSpace #TeamWRSP

“The Park Pass can be used to visit all the attractions over one incredible week or long weekend, or visitors can spread their trips throughout the entire year,” said Bob Whitt, White River State Park executive director. “Either way, folks get to enjoy our fabulous attractions and amenities at more than 25 percent off regular admission.”

#ParksMatter #EmbraceTheSpace #TeamWRSP

Why is the Park such a fun spring break destination? Because of all these Park attractions during spring break:

#ParksMatter #EmbraceTheSpace #TeamWRSP

Indianapolis Zoo: After such a harsh winter, what could be better than a tropical paradise? You’ll find one at the display of free-flying butterflies at the Indianapolis Zoo’s newest exhibit – Butterfly Kaleidoscope. Beginning March 21, the Zoo’s indoor gardens will be transformed, and guests will experience the flying creatures like never before.

#ParksMatter #EmbraceTheSpace #TeamWRSP

Indiana State Museum: Discover a hidden graveyard of ancient elephants uncovered by Hoosiers. The elephants were entombed under Indiana soil for thousands of years. Ice Age Giants: The Mystery of Mammoths and Mastodons brings to life a world the Indiana State Museum has been digging, discovering, studying and preserving for decades.

#ParksMatter #EmbraceTheSpace #TeamWRSP

IMAX® Theater: The Downtown IMAX® is showing several 3D movies this spring. Discover the otherworldly frozen landscape 10,000 years before modern civilization at Titans of the Ice Age 3D. Take an adventure to the tropical islands of remote west Papua at South Pacific 3D. Starting April 4, audiences trek to Madagascar for Island of Lemurs: Madagascar 3D. The film chronicles lemurs’ arrival as castaways millions of years ago, their evolution into hundreds of diverse species that are now endangered, and Dr. Patricia Wright’s mission to help the adorable creatures survive in the modern world.

#ParksMatter #EmbraceTheSpace #TeamWRSP

NCAA® Hall of Champions: Experience the thrill of NCAA® March Madness at the NCAA® Hall of Champions. Shoot hoops in the 1930’s replica gymnasium or test your knowledge with a trivia game on all 23 NCAA® sports.

#ParksMatter #EmbraceTheSpace #TeamWRSP

Eiteljorg Museum: Some of the most iconic black-and-white landscape photographs of the American West were shot by Ansel Adams. In the Ansel Adams exhibit at the Eiteljorg Museum, visitors will see 80 photographs Adams personally chose to represent his work.

#ParksMatter #EmbraceTheSpace #TeamWRSP

Victory Field: Pick up a ticket and get set to hear the crack of the bat! The Indianapolis Indians’ Opening Night is April 10 at Victory Field.

#ParksMatter #EmbraceTheSpace #TeamWRSP

Wheel Fun Rentals: Explore miles of biking paths and the historical Canal with a fleet of pedal-powered recreational cycles and boats. Bike rentals are located in front of the Indiana State Museum and across from the Visitors Center; boat rentals are located on the Canal Walk at the corner of Ohio and West streets.

#ParksMatter #EmbraceTheSpace #TeamWRSP

Segway® of Indiana: Take a scenic tour of the 250-acre Park, including a trip around all of the Park’s attractions and the Canal. The tour price includes a training session and helmet.

#ParksMatter #EmbraceTheSpace #TeamWRSP

White River Promenade: Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and feel as though you’ve found a secret passage as you wander along the promenade, a half-mile walkway lined with flowering trees and evergreens that offers unique views of the White River and the Indianapolis skyline. Look for the hand-carved “rose window” and renderings of famous buildings using Indiana limestone blocks along the way.

Visitors to any of the Park’s attractions may park in the underground garage located off Washington Street in front of the Indiana State Museum, in the surface parking lots at the Indianapolis Zoo and Victory Field, and in the surface parking lot across from Victory Field next to the Park’s Visitor’s Center. Parking is not guaranteed and is on a first-come, first-served basis.

White River State Park is the epicenter of Indianapolis culture, offering unique experiences with a variety of educational and recreational world-class attractions. The Park is home to several attractions, destinations and venues, which provide entertainment for a wide range of audiences, including the Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum, IMAX® Theater, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, NCAA® Hall of Champions, Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field, The Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park, the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial, and Historic Military Park. To learn more about the Park and its many happenings, visit www.WhiteRiverStatePark.org. Follow us on Twitter @WhiteRiverStPrk.

WE’RE social, R U ?!

If you want to “stay in the LOOP” on Park events, concerts, specials, and more, we suggest you sign-up for our periodic e-mail E-News updates. These are FREE (monthly) updates that include discounts, hot concerts, surprises, upcoming events, and much more.

Indiana State Museum(Tweet @IndianaMuseum) – Standard admission tickets are half-price (half-price discount does not include admission to special exhibitions)

Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field(Tweet @IndyIndians) – When the Indians are home, you receive $ 2.00 off tickets by either: 1) showing your membership to another attraction or 2) showing that same day’s ticket stub from one of the other attractions

White River State Park (@WhiteRiverStPrk) is over 250-acres right in the center of Indianapolis culture and entertainment, offering unique experiences with a variety of educational and recreational world-class attractions. The Park is home to several attractions and venues, providing education and entertainment for a wide range of audiences.

Major attractions include the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, (State of Indiana’s largest) IMAX® Theater, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field, Indianapolis Zoo (and White River Gardens), The Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park Concert Venue, NCAA® Hall of Champions, National Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial, The Indianapolis Cultural Trail, and The Indy White River Urban Wilderness and Wellness Trails to name just a few.

If you want to “stay in the LOOP” on Park events, concerts, specials, and more, we suggest you sign-up for our periodic e-mail E-News updates. These are (monthly) updates that include discounts, hot concerts, surprises, upcoming events, and much more.

Kelly Dobbs (Assistant Director of NCAA® Hall of Champions and Conference Center) with Jeremy McCool (NCAA® Associate Director) a former basketball athlete and played for the Washington Generals / Harlem Globetrotters tour make a play for the Indy Style couch.